An Intelligent Algorithm for the Protection of Smart Power Systems

The paper proposes a new concept of protection philosophy for Dutch distribution grids with high penetration of renewable energy. Conventional protection concepts are normally based on protection schemes that consist of definite or inverse time overcurrent relays. In future power systems, these schemes can lead to high fault clearing times, unselective tripping and massive DG disconnections, which are not acceptable in a deregulated multi-owner energy market. This research work proposes an efficient intelligent communication-based protection algorithm that implements different multi-functional protection principles supported by blocking schemes. The real-time organization of both the hardware architecture and communication infrastructure of the protection algorithm is illustrated in detail. Special emphasis is given to the network reconfiguration scenario cases and detailed simulation results of such illustrative studied cases are provided. The new protection strategy guarantees protection selectivity and provides DG-unit availability during and after the fault. The intelligent algorithm is applied on existing Dutch distribution network and meaningful conclusions are derived.